Abstract: A protective element for a breakwater or wave-retarding construction comprises a body that has at least two opposing projections. The projections are on either side of a flat base and extend transversely thereto. The periphery of the base is non-circular, so that rolling of the protective element under the influence of the beating of the waves is resisted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silt restoration device comprising a vertical support member having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is connected to an upper horizontal support member with the longitudinal length of the vertical support member being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the upper horizontal support member. At least one tire will be positioned on the vertical support member below the upper horizontal support member in a substantially vertical position. The tire will have a tread surface and a center space, wherein the vertical support member will impale the tread surface of the tire at two opposed points substantially along a diameter of the tire and substantially at a midpoint of a width of the tread surface.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for shoreline land mass reclamation which includes replacement of at least one groyne section along a shoreline wherein the section includes a pair of spaced stanchions which are connected by at least one linkage member which supports vertically extending baffle elements and wherein the at least one linkage member is piovtably connected such that the spaced stanchions may be vertically adjustable relative to one another.

Abstract: A modular unit intended for use as an artificial reef, marine habitat and/or sea wall which can be placed in stacked structures along the floor of an ocean, bay, or other body of water comprises a top wall, bottom wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls which are interconnected to form a hollow interior. Each of the walls is formed with one or more openings whose position and size is designed to allow access of marine life into the interior of the units, permit the passage of sunlight therein, direct the flow of sea water into and through the units in a way which increases stability of the units when placed on the ocean floor, and permit alignment of the holes of one unit with those of another when stacked together.

Abstract: A new method for more rapidly renourishing a beach. A mobile accretion unit is set on the bottom a considerable distance out from the beach, yet still within the region where sand is deposited by wave action. This accretion unit collects sand over time. It is gradually raised to keep it from burying itself. The unit eventually creates a small sand “island,” which is typically located one hundred feet or more from the beach. A chain of such small sand islands are preferably created along the shore. Radiating sets of linear fences are then placed on each island. These fences radiate out into the surrounding water. The linear fences trap additional sand and serve to increase the size of the islands. Linear fences extending from the islands to the beach may be used, as well as linear fences extending between adjacent islands. Eventually the islands grow together and merge with the prior beach, thereby creating a new beach along the position of the islands.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable breakwater is disclosed having a primary barrier containing liquid under pressure, and one or more overtopping barriers. The primary barrier floats at, and extends substantially below, the surface of the water, while the overtopping barriers are positioned on the primary barrier and extend substantially above the surface of the water, the combination being adapted to attenuate wave action in open water. The liquid in the primary barrier is pressurized to a level substantially greater than the pressure of the surrounding water, and such pressure may be maintained or varied during the period of deployment of the breakwater.

Abstract: A method for killing and removing mold and other biological contaminants from structural surfaces. The contaminated surface is enclosed and isolated in a containment area from other noncontaminated surfaces. A biocidal agent is applied to the contaminated surface to kill the contaminant. After the biocidal agent dryes, the contaminant is encapsulated. The contaminant and encapsulant are then removed from the surface by propelling frozen carbon dioxide pellets against the surface at a high velocity. The removed contaminants are collected and disposed of with a high volume air extractor equipped with filters. The containment area may be treated with ultraviolet radiation to kill any remaining contaminants which may be airborne or adhere to the containment area surfaces. A biocidal sealer may be applied to the formerly contaminated surface to prevent regrowth of the contaminant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for land reclamation which includes utilizing groyne-like structures including spaced stanchions to which are mounted porous screens and wherein the screens are vertically adjustable either independently of or with the stanchions as material is deposited during the reclamation process. In some embodiments the screens are elevated by elevating the spaced stanchions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel floating wave attenuator. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel design of floating wave attenuator which has a curved vertical wave alternating wall section, a bottom vertical motion braking flange, and an air chamber for adjusting buoyancy. A floating wave attenuator comprising: (a) a wall having an exterior surface and an interior surface; (b) a flange associated with the wall and extending from at least one of the exterior surface and the interior surface of the wall; and (c) an air chamber in the interior of the wall, the air chamber being filled with air to adjust the buoyancy of the attenuator.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for dissipating water wave energy and for shoreline control including a module with a generally hollow body, a pair of opposed flanges attached to adjacent corners of the body, a pair of axially aligned mounting apertures in the flanges for connecting the body to similar bodies for forming a wave energy dissipation system, and a recess disposed between the flanges. Each recess contains a plurality of boundary layer interrupting projections for substantially disrupting any laminar flow of water past the surface and creating turbulent flow.

Abstract: The present invention describes an off-shore wave ramp for inducing early cresting of waves to prevent damage and erosion along a shoreline, consisting of at least one platform supported above the natural sea floor by support means firmly affixed to the sea floor, the platform being arranged according to a predetermined regular pattern such that the area of the covers between about 50 and 80 percent of the area of the seal floor under the platform and forming a false sea floor seawardly inclined between the high water level to a selected distance above the sea floor. The wave ramp platform is comprised of an array of a selected spaced-apart, unconnected, rigid, non-bouyant, stationary plate-shaped elements with a seaward inclination of the wave ramp is at a selected angle relative to the floor.

Abstract: Porous groynes for shoreline reclamation which include a plurality of spaced stanchions and at least one self supporting screen grid having a plurality of openings therein through which fluid and fluid conveyed solids may pass and wherein the screen grid means is formed of a high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polymers, co-polymers, polymer mixtures or laminates.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable breakwater is disclosed having a primary barrier containing liquid under pressure, and one or more overtopping barriers. The primary barrier floats at, and extends substantially below, the surface of the water, while the overtopping barriers are positioned on the primary barrier and extend substantially above the surface of the water, the combination being adapted to attenuate wave action in open water. The liquid in the primary barrier is pressurized to a level substantially greater than the pressure of the surrounding water, and such pressure may be maintained or varied during the period of deployment of the breakwater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for land reclamation which includes utilizing groyne-like structures including spaced stanchions to which are mounted porous screens and wherein the screens are vertically adjustable as material is deposited during the reclamation process. In some embodiments the screens are carried by sleeves slidable on spaced stanchions and in other embodiments the screens may be sectional and carried by multiple sleeves.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial reef comprising a string of open bodies, a floatation device and an anchoring device.

Abstract: A system for transporting material recovered in a dredging operation performed by a dredge is disclosed. The system includes a water-borne material distribution vessel including a conveyor system for receiving and depositing the recovered material. It also includes at least one water-borne material transportation vessel for transporting recovered material from the dredge to the material distribution vessel. The water-borne material distribution vessel can deposit the material into the waterway to form an island (which may be a levy), into another water-borne vessel, or into an on-shore station such as a wheeled transportation vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shoreline reclamation which includes utilizing groyne structures including stanchions to which are mounted at least one porous screen and wherein the screen is vertically adjustable as material is deposited during the reclamation process.

Abstract: A system of plastic pipes which are anchored vertically in place along a shoreline by a concrete form that will position the pipes with a specific distance between pipes. Once the pipes are positioned, a concrete cap will be poured to permanently secure the pipes, after which the concrete form can be removed and moved to a new location.

Abstract: A sub-tidal platform adapted to be placed under water in front of a beach comprises a support structure having at least two upwardly extending, spaced-apart side walls extending along vertical planes. Each side wall has a bottom adapted to rest on a generally horizontal surface, and a sloping, upwardly extending edge which is at an acute angle with respect to the bottom. A plurality of interconnecting members extend between the side walls for maintaining them in an upright position. The interconnecting members are positioned adjacent to the sloping edge of the side walls. A plurality of gates are pivotally connected to the interconnecting members of the support structure for controlling fluid flow through the space between the side walls. The gates open in response to incoming fluid flow through the gates, and close in response to outgoing fluid flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A method for modifying the flow of water in a channel includes creating a flow modifier by first obtaining a plurality of rigid substantially linear posts and obtaining at least one prefabricated brace configured for connection to the posts. The prefabricated brace is configured with two spaced apart rigid anchor ends, one of which has at least two spaced apart anchor sites. A plurality of rigid cross beams connect the anchor ends, with the cross beams and the anchor ends all substantially coplanar. A plurality of vertically extending vanes may also be arrayed across the prefabricated brace. The method also includes driving at least two of the posts into the channel bed and securely connecting at least one prefabricated brace to the posts at the anchor sites. An agglomeration matrix may be positioned against the prefabricated brace for supporting and accumulating materials which amplify the flow modification effect of the prefabricated brace and matrix.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for regulating shoreline change in cases where the magnitude of the longshore transport rate varies along a shoreline and is subject to periodic reversals. The method operates by selectively restricting the longshore sediment transport in one of the two possible shore-parallel directions. Some versions of the directional groin operate by changing the effective height of a low profile structure, while in others segments of the structure are selectively opened or restricted to sediment transport. The transport-obstructing portions of the groin may be positioned by flowing water, or may be moved by an electromechanical actuator acting under control of a microprocessor-based control system that also measures the direction of water flow.

Abstract: This patent consists of an INTEGRATED, MULTIPHASE, ENERGY-DISSIPATING ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEM, applicable in forming sheltered port and coastal areas. Its channels and basins act as an integrated, hydrodynamic, energy-dissipating unit as their boundaries are formed by linear, low crown level structuring elements, preferably nonreflecting, overflowable, preferably formed by overflowable rubblemound breakwaters and/or permeable quays, if necessary with these elements discontinuous, dissipating short period gravity waves, their reflection and possible resonances and allowing overflow waters and coastal currents to circulate.Because of its low crown level and the specificities characterizing its structuring elements, this System preserves sea views and allows surface air to freely circulate and basin water to be renewed., with consequent functional, environmental and scenic advantages. (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A method and system for modifying the flow of water in a channel includes creating a flow modifier by first obtaining a plurality of rigid substantially linear posts and obtaining at least one brace configured for connection to the posts. The brace is configured with two spaced apart rigid anchor ends, one of which has at least two spaced apart anchor sites. A plurality of rigid cross beams connect the anchor ends, with the cross beams and the anchor ends all substantially coplanar. The method also includes driving at least two of the posts into the channel bed and securely connecting at least one brace to the posts at the anchor sites. An agglomeration matrix may be positioned against the brace for supporting and accumulating materials which amplify the flow modification effect of the brace and matrix. The flow modifier modifies the flow of water by creating a weir, by diverting the flow, by reinforcing the channel bank, by creating a favorable habitat for plant life, or by some combination of these effects.

Abstract: A barrier system utilizing a plurality of waste tires arranged to control hydrodynamic processes, diminishing the amplitude of waves and controlling sediment migration in bodies of water, in order to prevent shore damage, erosion or the like, while promoting restoration of same. The barrier typically includes a plurality of transversely stacked tires or the like pivotally affixed to a side, anchoring member configured to slidingly communicate with a support column embedded in the sea floor, either in orthogonal or angled fashion, depending upon the conditions and desired effect. The side members may be configured to allow two distinct, side support, hinge-like areas to independently engage with the support column, forming a wall. The present device as installed diminishes wave amplitude by absorbing the rotational movement of the affixed tires about the column.

Abstract: A permeable breakwater for submerged offshore or seawall retentive installation includes a base and permeable opposed sides terminating at an upwardly projecting permeable wave wall. The breakwater is located offshore to cause moderate to heavy waves to break further offshore thereby dissipating their energy before reaching the beach.

Abstract: A jetty comprises a plurality of vertically-extending shallow modular structural elements having parallel upper and lower planar faces, the elements being in a vertically layered, horizontally offset and cantilevered juxtaposition to define a three-dimensional network characterized by vertical gaps between portions of some of the elements. At least some of the elements define at least one aperture extending vertically through the thickness thereof, the system further comprising union members extending through a series of vertically aligned apertures for joining the elements together.

Abstract: An energy-dissipating overflow-type dike dividing a body of water into inner and outer zones, comprises an overflow-type dike defining on its upper surface a platform having an average elevation approximating the mean surface of the body of water. A plurality of upstanding wave energy-dissipating elements, each of varying horizontal cross-sectional width, are disposed in spaced relationship on the platform to reduce the potential impact effect of a water overflow on the inner zone by extending the area and period of impact. A plurality of channels, each of varying horizontal cross-sectional width, are defined by and between the elements for dissipating the kinetic energy of water passing therethrough while enabling water flow for basin water renewal in the inner zone.

Abstract: A compression wall and tension spoke structural system which transfers lateral loads from the sea surface to the sea floor efficiently. The cellular breakwater combines tension piles and concrete fabric forms with oceanwheel structural elements to form cells which are serially placed in tangential contact to produce a breakwater of desired shape and length in shallow water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restoring a beach by raising the level of the beach between the high tide line and the low tide line of the beach in which an elongated rectangular net of nylon cord is suspended from a temporary supporting structure generally perpendicular to the high tide line of the beach and extending from the high tide line to at least the low tide line, said net having a uniform mesh sized to prohibit passage through said net of the larger rocks, coral and shells present on the sea floor and having a weighted bottom edge resting upon the sea floor and a top edge suspended above the high tide level of the sea, wherein said net remains suspended between the high tide line and the low tide line for a period of at least twelve hours, and then said net and its supporting structure are removed from the beach.

Abstract: A beach erosion jetty configuration is provided wherein the jetties are curved to stop or prevent a vacuum effect which causes beach erosion. Swift currents running in or out of inlets create a Venturi effect that pulls sand-laden waters from nearby and sometimes distant shorelines, and in accordance with the present invention jetties are provided with curved ends that negate the loss of precious sand. Such curved jetties function as erosion control devices and actually stop and prevent erosion.

Abstract: An erosion-preventing structure for use in strengthening a river bank or in desert reclamation is formed from a stack of toroidal objects such as used vehicle tires. The toroidal objects are disposed in a plurality of relatively offset layers which are held against relative movement and adjacent tires in a layer are secured together.